Berks businessman found dead in Bahamas

Carl Yerger, in a photo that is part of a slide show posted by the Oley Valley Youth League.

By Mike Newall, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: March 17, 2014

Police in the Bahamas are investigating the stabbing of a Berks County businessman found dead at an island resort.

The body of Carl Yerger, 45, of Ruscombmanor, was discovered early Friday on the grounds of his hotel in Bimini, a popular deep-sea fishing destination 50 miles off the Florida coast.

Royal Bahamas police said Saturday that Yerger had been stabbed multiple times and that four male suspects were in custody but had not yet been charged.

Yerger's widow, Rebecca, said police told her her husband was killed in a random act of violence.

Yerger, father of two young boys, was a co-owner of Custom Milling & Consulting in Fleetwood. He had been visiting the island for business, but also to do some fishing, Rebecca Yerger said.

"He was a wonderful man," she said, her voice catching. "He will be missed."

Yerger was president of the Oley Valley Youth Sports League. The league posted a slide show and memorial to Yerger on its website, describing him as an outstanding coach and a great man who had inspired the tight-knit sports community, leading "with class and a smile."